Hasbro drives this bus, even if Lucas has acted as the gps at times. Disney simply couldn't have accomplished this in 6 weeks, or even a little longer. And that is assuming Hasbro was in the know, which I don't think has been proven at any point. Believing Disney was not involved is no more naive than believing they were.

3 3/4 did horrible in 2012 compared to previous years, and while I lay most of that blame at figure choices and case ratios (plus a crappy movie). The fact that they had something other than squinkies in the works to hedge their bets was a good move on their part, and virtually inevetible. After choking on phantom menace for 8 months, they had to come back to the retail partners with something that actually looked new and different.

I'd sure like to have some kubrick news to talk about too. Still hoping to add Lobot, bespin leia, and a few others to the mix at some point. A cloud city box set at $80 would be great. Get Lobot, Leia, that metallic c-3po, a bespin guard, and han solo in there, or switch 3po out for an ugnaught.

This would be a good place to do an early bird set- Luke Leia Chewie and R2. Sure R2 will be in the regular fall release assortment, but since when are they against making people buy things more than once?

I know a lot of the 2012 stuff will slowly get phased out now, but I was curious, will the Jabba's Palace set be around for a bit yet? I know places like TRU (which I know is higher priced) and Amazon sometimes have the sets available a bit longer than Target/WM, so I was wondering if that set might be available for awhile yet. I've just been getting more into LEGO over the past year, and I'm still learning the availability patterns a bit. Thanks for any advice.

I would assume Jabba's Palace will hang around until at least summer, probably until the end of the year.

I picked up Jabba's palace on clearance at walmart for $79 on Friday- I haven't been seeing it at Target since Christmas, so I wouldn't wait too long. Toys R us may have them longer, but they are generally more expensive too.

I suddenly noticed some of the 8 pack figures on the pegs too. They haven't restocked since about March, so I don't think it's a mystery that they were returns. I don't think the store would put them out, as they would have to peel off the "not for resale" stickers on the bottom.